Coming from the word “motivate”, meaning, to provide with a MOTIVE.

Strangely, I’ve never looked at this word from that particular perspective before.  And that leads me to realize that I’ve never truly understood what motivation really is.

Recently, when I was considering a topic to blog about, I decided to look at my own life and ask…

‘What are my personal interests or struggles concerning my health and fitness in my life right now?’

And hence… the topic of motivation.

Lately, and by lately I mean the last several months, I’ve found it incredibly difficult to get my butt in gear and back onto a regular fitness and health regime.  Granted, I am newly married and now a step-parent of 2, so life is very different and requires a great deal of reorganizing and a new perspective.  However, I would never allow these things to be an excuse for neglecting my health.  That would be lazy and irresponsible… and frankly, a cop-out.

Here’s what it comes down to; when I was at my peak of working out faithfully and eating properly I had a reason to.  I was a personal trainer, and had a goal to maybe compete athletically in a couple of different fields.  I felt amazing!  It affected every aspect of my life.  I actually respected my body and health.

So what has changed?

Without going into details, lets just say, life has changed.  Events have happened since those days that have affected me emotionally and mentally in very serious ways.  And because of that, physical health has taken a back seat to just trying to get back on track with daily living.  So now, here I am in a new season, a happy new bride with new perspective and much to be thankful for.  What happens NOW?

All of that to say this… I need a new motivation.  Those things that were my focus and reason for taking care of myself no longer work or encourage me in the same way.

What are the things in my life that matter to ME or that I want to accomplish?  Let’s look at these things…

My faith: This is actually the biggest thing for me.  I have an understanding that I have a responsibility (stewardship if you will) to care for and maintain my body/allover health to the best of my ability so that I can effectively emulate and live out that which I believe.

My family/husband/children/friends: these things are my reason for waking.  I want to be available to them, able to help and be there for everything, both hardship and joys. They deserve for me to be at my best physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Activity: I’m more of a “3-season” person. Animals that hibernate are on to something. Don’t get me wrong, winter is beautiful and there’s lots of cool, really fun winter activities too. But when staying active is more a means of survival and keeping my internal temperature above –20C… I’m not having fun. Those seasons that most allow us to get out and about, to take the greatest advantage of creation from all aspects are my favorite.  I’m not a sports nut by any means.  But I do love to get out roller-blading, walking, biking, hiking, etc.  My husband and I have discovered a new love in canoeing and camping.  I love to play and take advantage of open spaces and explore the secret ones.

So, in looking at these aspects of my life it makes sense that I would be interested in keeping my health and fitness at optimum levels.  I know for a fact that when I eat properly, i.e. cut out the empty calories, I feel tons better, not just physically, but mentally I’m happy for myself and my good choices.

Now, what is my motive?  Hmmm… (to be continued).

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